Five year old Starlight child Sloan created this year’s 9th collectible bear, available in-store and online through Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us Canada

TORONTO, ON (October 26, 2017) – Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada in collaboration with Toys”R”Us, Canada has released their 9th Limited Edition Collectible Starlight Bear, designed and named after five year old Starlight child Sloan. The bear is now available both online and in-store at Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us stores across the nation. A portion of the Sloan bear’s sales will go towards funding Starlight Canada’s in and out-of-hospital programming, which aims to brighten the lives of seriously ill children across the country.

Since birth, bear designer Sloan has been treated for gastrointestinal motility disorder. This illness will affect her large intestine (colon) for her entire life and will require a series of major surgeries that will deeply impact her quality of living. Her 14 year old sister Abby, who lives with the same illness, has had to endure 15 surgeries, including a stoma surgically created for antegrade enemas. Despite her condition, Sloan’s cheerful and animated personality has helped her to overcome any challenges in her path.

In designing the bear, Sloan was inspired by her love of everything purple and the comforting feeling of hugging something soft and cozy. The butterfly on the bear’s foot represents the magic Sloan finds within herself to spread her wings and soar above the obstacles she faces every day.

“Each year, our Starlight collectible bears provide an opportunity to share a seriously ill child’s story of strength and courage with Canadians,” said Starlight executive director, Brian Bringolf. “We feel honoured to highlight Sloan’s journey with the release of this year’s bear through our strong 19 year partnership with Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us, Canada.”

Through in-store and online campaigns, their Starlight Gala event sponsorship, and donations to in-hospital, neonatal care and out-of-hospital programs, Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us have donated an incredible $17 million to Starlight and have been extraordinary advocates in the community about Starlight’s work.

Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada’s collectible bear “Sloan” retails for $19.99 and is available in Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us stores across Canada and online at http://bit.ly/starlightsloan.

Starlight Children’s Foundation™ Canada is part of Starlight’s global network, serving seriously ill children and their families through partnerships with more than 160 healthcare facilities. Over the past 25 years, Starlight has become a leading global charity that partners with experts to improve the life and health of kids and families around the world. Collaborating with innovators in pediatric healthcare, entertainment and technology, Starlight provides a unique blend of family-centered programs and services from hospital to home.

Toys”R”Us (Canada) Ltd. and Babies”R”Us are part of Toys”R”Us, Inc., the world’s leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer. Toys”R”Us, Canada operates over 80 locations across the country. For store locations and convenient online shopping visit www.toysrus.ca and www.babiesrus.ca.